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The ability to block calls has forever eluded wireless carriers. Many people have gone through the same schtick. We get calls from people or services we do not want to hear from, so we call the carrier to get them to block that number. The customer service rep is sympathetic, but regrets to inform us that this is not something they can do. Most irritably, they might even suggest that you can change your phone number. Bah. There are some applications which can handle this task, but carriers should be able to block calls and messages right at the switch — so the call doesn’t even go through and those on limited voice and messaging plans do not get charged. Verizon Wireless is finally offering a call blocking service, though it’s not without a catch.
The service, dubbed Do Not Disturb, costs $3.49 per month. This sounds a bit steep for a service which intuitively should be a standard feature on cell phones. We’ve advanced so far in customization and remote control over our phones that a call blocking capability should just be part of the deal. The technology is obviously there. The interface is there in a user’s online account. Why not let them block annoying callers for free?
Even with a one-time activation fee this would make a ton more sense. A monthly subscription, though, can extend into perpetuity. Think about this: say calls from two numbers annoy you. You pony up the $3.49 per month…and then what? If they stop calling you’re wasting $3.49 per month.
Then again, Verizon is offering a number of features which do warrant premium status. For instance, you can send restricted or private numbers straight to voicemail (which is good for people like me who are too curious to ignore them). You can also set certain times to have all calls sent to voicemail. Additionally, you can opt to send a text message to these callers explaining your status. So there is definitely some value-add there, but still not enough for a subscription fee.
Do Not Distrurb is available on a number of consumer phones, with Windows Mobile and BlackBerry to follow in the coming months.
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I understand that “blocking numbers at the switch” can clog the switch. Technology has its limits and cell phone towers and switches move millions of calls each day throughout the country. My issue is having and elderly parent who is in the habit of call toll numbers, international and 411. Its just about impossible to help someone who is poor, a bit senile but able to function well enough to live independently. The hands of their children or relatives are tied. Its very very frustrating. I need something that does allow me to block prefixes, specific number and certain outgoing calls without interfering in their calling ability.